The Global Entrepreneurship Network is pleased to build upon our relationship with Wells Fargo to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week. This movement celebrates and empowers new founders in every country and community, especially those who face barriers or who may have never considered the opportunities and possibilities of entrepreneurship.
In 2025, we shine a spotlight on the collective power of community, collaboration, and shared ambition. This collaboration with Wells Fargo highlights initiatives available to support aspiring and new founders.
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS
Expanding Access to Capital
Small Business Resource Navigator
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are an important part of the financing ecosystem. They provide credit and technical assistance services to businesses that are not yet ready for traditional options. In collaboration with Community Reinvestment Fund, USA, we launched the Small Business Resource Navigator to introduce entrepreneurs to CDFIs that service their community. By answering a few questions, the online portal matches small businesses to resources, including credit, from a CDFI that can assist them regardless of their stage or circumstance.
Opening Pathways to Knowledge And Networks
Equitable Access Program
Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), Hello Alice, and Wells Fargo announced the launch of the Equitable Access Program, designed to increase credit access and financial education to entrepreneurs with credit challenges. With initial funding of the program led by Wells Fargo, GEN and Hello Alice are aiming to raise $70 million, which will unlock an estimated $1 billion in credit access for thousands of small business owners.
Accelerating Small Business Development and Growth
Open for Business Fund
Wells Fargo created the Open for Business Fund to reach small businesses hardest hit by the pandemic. The Open for Business Fund was a roughly $420 million national small business recovery effort that delivered access to capital and expertise through grants to more than 200 community organizations nationwide. Open for Business Fund grantees reported reaching more than 336,000 small businesses and empowering them to preserve or create 461,000 jobs. The Open for Business Fund continues to drive economic growth and build thriving communities. Building on the success of the Open for Business Fund, Wells Fargo launched the Open for Business Growth program, a new $20 million philanthropic initiative aimed at getting more growth-ready small businesses to increase revenue, scale operations, and ultimately expand community impact.
Resources for Small Business Owners
HOPE Inside for Small Business
Through the Banking Inclusion Initiative, Wells Fargo launched free financial coaching for small business owners with its long-standing partner, Operation HOPE, a national nonprofit focused on financial empowerment. HOPE Inside for Small Business is available in-person at select branches in Los Angeles and Charlotte, NC and virtually across the U.S.
Capital Pathways Workbook
Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center offers a Capital Pathways Workbook, a first-of-its kind resource that helps entrepreneurs build a personalized capital road map focused on their vision and financing needs for their business.
Become a Supplier
To be considered as a potential supplier, please complete an online supplier profile available at www.wellsfargo.com.
Small Business Success
Four Things To Do Before You Start A Company
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? Many dream of being their own boss, but the process can be daunting. Here is a list of actions to consider before you create a company.
Off the Grid, This Dairy Farm Harvests Solar Energy to Save Money and Boost Resilience
A Wells Fargo grant to Coastal Enterprises, Inc. put energy independence within reach for Balfour Farm and other businesses across Maine, helping them become more resilient.
The Secret to Business Success? A Strong Plan. Here’s How to Write One.
Having a business plan means entrepreneurs have a strategy to grow. At HOPE Inside centers in Wells Fargo branches, small business coaches are helping aspiring and existing business owners achieve their goals.
5 Ways Companies Can Avoid Potential Supply Chain Disruptions
Wells Fargo's Jeremy Jansen shares proactive strategies to protect your business during supply chain interruptions.